A Short History of the United States Part 25

227. Election of 1800.--It was for a moment only that the noise of party conflict was hushed by the death of America's first President. The strife soon began anew. Indeed, the election of 1800 was fought with a vigor and violence unknown before, and scarcely exceeded since. John Adams was the Federalist candidate, and he was defeated. Jefferson and Burr, the Republican candidates, each received seventy-three electoral votes. But which of them should be President? The Republican voters clearly wished Jefferson to be President. But the Federalists had a majority in the House of Representatives. They had a clear legal right to elect Burr President. But to do that would be to do what was morally wrong. After a useless struggle the Federalists permitted Jefferson to be chosen, and he was inaugurated on March 4, 1801.

[Ill.u.s.tration: PRESIDENT WAs.h.i.+NGTON, 1790. "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations."--_Farewell Address._]

QUESTIONS AND TOPICS

CHAPTER 19

---- 192-194.--_a_. Describe the method of electing President employed at first.

_b_. Describe Was.h.i.+ngton's journey to New York and the inaugural ceremonies, and compare them with the inauguration of the last President.

---- 195, 196.--_a_. In whose hands do appointments to federal offices lie?

_b_. What was the great difference mentioned in -- 196? Why was the difference so great?

---- 197, 198.--_a_. Why was Was.h.i.+ngton "stiff and aristocratic"?

_b_. Would Was.h.i.+ngton have accepted the t.i.tle of king? Give the reasons for your answer.

---- 199-202.--_a_. Give the reasons for the different views expressed in Congress as to customs duties. What are customs duties?

_b_. Explain how slavery influenced the views of the Southern members.

_c_. Compare the extent and population of the United States in 1791 with the extent and population to-day.

_d_. What two new states were admitted in 1791-92? What was their att.i.tude on slavery? What changes would their admission make in Congress?

---- 203, 204.--_a_. Explain carefully Hamilton's plan. What were its advantages? What is meant by the phrase "public credit"?

_b_. What is meant by the phrase "a.s.sumption of the state debts"?

---- 205, 206.--_a_. What question arose concerning the site of the national capital? How was it settled? Was this a good way to settle important questions?

_b_. Why did Hamilton want a Bank of the United States? Was this bank like one of the national banks of to-day?

CHAPTER 20

---- 207, 208.--_a_. Compare carefully the principles of the Federalists and the Republicans. Which party would you have joined had you lived then? Why? Which ideas prevail to-day?

_b_. Discuss Jefferson's views as to the value of newspapers.

---- 209-212.--_a_. Why did the Republicans sympathize with the French Revolution?

_b_. How was the action of the Republicans regarded by Was.h.i.+ngton? By Hamilton?

_c._ Why did Was.h.i.+ngton issue the Proclamation of Neutrality?

-- 213.--_a_. What is the difference between a tax laid by a tariff on imported goods and an internal revenue tax?

_b_. How was the rebellion suppressed? Compare this with Shays's Rebellion.

---- 214-216.--_a_. State the reasons for the trouble with Great Britain.

How was the matter settled?

_b._ Explain the trouble over the traffic on the Mississippi.

_c_. How was this matter settled?

-- 217.--_a_. Why did Was.h.i.+ngton decline a third term?

_b_. What are the important points in his Farewell Address?

_c_. How far has later history proved the truth of his words?

CHAPTER 21

-- 218.--_a_. How did Hamilton set to work to defeat Adams? Do you think his action justifiable?

_b_. What was the result of Hamilton's intrigues?

---- 219-221.--_a_. To what was the refusal to receive Pinckney equivalent? Describe the X. Y. Z. Affair.

_b_. What is a bribe? How must bribery in political life affect a government?

_c_. How was the news of this affair received in America? What does this show about the feeling of both parties toward the government?

---- 222, 223.--_a_. Describe the preparations for war. Why was a Navy Department necessary?

_b_. Why was France wise to make peace with the United States?

_c_. How was the matter finally settled?

---- 224, 225.--_a_. Describe the Naturalization Act.

_b_. What power did the Alien Act give the President? What danger is there in such power?

_c_. What is sedition? Compare the Sedition Act with the First Amendment.

_d_. What were the theories on which the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions were based?

---- 226, 227.--_a_. What position does Was.h.i.+ngton hold in our history?

Why is it deserved? _b_. Describe the election of 1800. Why was it fought so bitterly? _c_. Why should disputes as to elections for President go to the House? _d_. How was it known that Jefferson's election was the wish of the voters?

GENERAL QUESTIONS